The next-of-kin of nine (9) Filipino World War II veterans receive bronze replicas of the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) at the anniversary celebration of the Awarding by the US Congress of the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino and American World War II Veterans, held at the Philippine Chancery Annex Building on 24 October 2018.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – “Your fathers and grandfathers left a priceless legacy that we can never hope to repay, but one that we vow to always preserve and cherish. But more than that, they also personify the close people-to-people ties that bound the Philippines and the United States for the last...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – “Your fathers and grandfathers left a priceless legacy that we can never hope to repay, but one that we vow to always preserve and cherish. But more than that, they also personify the close people-to-people ties that bound the Philippines and the United States for the last 70 years, and will continue to do so in the coming decades,” Philippine Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Patrick A. Chuasoto told the families of nine (9) Filipino World War II veterans who were awarded with bronze replicas of the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) during the 1stanniversary celebration of the CGM Awarding held at the Philippine Embassy Chancery Annex on 24 October 2018.

Bronze replicas of the Congressional Gold Medal that were given to the next-of-kin of nine (9) World War II veterans at the Philippine Embassy celebration on 24 October 2018.

The Filipino Veterans Education and Recognition Project (FilVetREP), in partnership with the Philippine Embassy, led the anniversary celebration that included the awarding of CGM replicas to the next-of-kin of 9 Filipino veterans. The recipients are (1) Juan Borja, received by FilVetRep Regional Director John Victoria; (2) Hilario F. Mata, received by grandson Florouel M. Asesor; (3) Ramon R. Nacu, received by son Rafael Nacu; (4) Francisco R. Offemaria, received by son Francisco M. Offemaria; (5) Jose E. Olivares, received by grandson Edward C. Olivares Jr.; (6) Faustino B. Reyes, received by daughter Eleanor M. Moran; (7) Conrado S. Sabelino, received by daughter Fatima S. De Lumen; (8) Dr. Angelesio C. Tugado, received by daughter Angelyn F. Tugado-Marzan; and (9) Tomas A. Viloria, received by daughter Susan V. Tanedo.

Philippine Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Patrick A. Chuasoto delivers welcome remarks at the anniversary celebration of the Congressional Gold Medal Awarding at the Philippine Embassy on 24 October 2018.

The celebration started with the Georgetown University Army ROTC Color Guard’s presentation of colors followed by the singing of the Philippine and US national anthems. Philippine Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Patrick A. Chuasoto delivered the opening remarks.

Mr. David Do, Director on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs and Mr. Ely Ross, Director of the Office of Veterans Affairs, both of the DC Mayor’s office, each delivered brief remarks, while Mr. Ben De Guzman provided an update of FilVetREP programs.

“These brave Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers were crucial to both the United States and the Philippines, and I commend these veterans for their outstanding contributions. Over the last year, you have increased national awareness of conducting over 40 events around the nation and providing over 1,000 bronze replicas of the Congressional Gold Medal to veterans or their surviving family members,” said DC Mayor Muriel Bowser in a letter addressed to FilVetREP and delivered by Mr. David Do.

Major General Antonio Taguba (Ret.) (right) facilitated the awarding of the CGM bronze replicas to the next-of-kin of nine (9) Filipino World War II veterans at the Philippine Embassy on 24 October 2018.

“No one waits 75 years to be recognized. But there are others out there who are not able to attend ceremonies like this, and we are going to continue to exhaust ourselves and run across the country to award the medals to living World War II veterans or to their next-of-kin. It is our mission – this is a “WE” mission – in order for us to honor them,” Major General Antonio Taguba (Ret.), Chairman of FilVetREP, reiterated in his closing remarks.

Ms. Margaret Lacson-Ecarma served as the official emcee of the program.

The United States Congress formally awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Filipino Veterans of World War II in a ceremony held at the US Capitol on 25 October 2017. ###